Harmful and harmless plastics in the household

March 29, 2013 7:04 AM

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Plastic #1 - PET or PETE stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester. If this plastic is kept in heat for a prolonged period of time chemicals could leach into the water causing harmful health effects. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic #1 - PET or PETE stands for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic resin and a form of polyester. If this plastic is kept in heat for a prolonged period of time chemicals could leach into the water ... more

Plastic water bottles use PETE as the plastic material for the bottle and if kept in your car or a hot area too long, toxins could be found in your water. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Plastic water bottles use PETE as the plastic material for the bottle and if kept in your car or a hot area too long, toxins could be found in your water. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Plastic water bottles use PETE as the plastic material for the... Photo-4393882.59330 - Times Union

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Soda bottles, and juice bottles are also made of polyethylene terephthalate which makes it good that they are chilled in refrigerated areas or at least kept at room temperature. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Soda bottles, and juice bottles are also made of polyethylene terephthalate which makes it good that they are chilled in refrigerated areas or at least kept at room temperature. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Soda bottles, and juice bottles are also made of polyethylene... Photo-4393883.59330 - Times Union

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Multiple condiments, oils and peanut butter jars are made with Plastic #1 and should also not be kept in heated areas. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Multiple condiments, oils and peanut butter jars are made with Plastic #1 and should also not be kept in heated areas. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Even cosmetics that are commonly used, their plastic containers are made with PET and should never be kept in hot places because certain chemicals could leach into the makeup. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Even cosmetics that are commonly used, their plastic containers are made with PET and should never be kept in hot places because certain chemicals could leach into the makeup. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Even cosmetics that are commonly used, their plastic containers are... Photo-4393885.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic #2 - High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE is hard, opaque and can withstand somewhat high temperatures. No known health concerns are associated with this type of plastic either. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic #2 - High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE is hard, opaque and can withstand somewhat high temperatures. No known health concerns are associated with ... more

: Lotions, and hairspray bottles are also made from this safe Plastic #2. Although hairspray is not the best for the environment, this plastic is one of the better ones for the environment. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

: Lotions, and hairspray bottles are also made from this safe Plastic #2. Although hairspray is not the best for the environment, this plastic is one of the better ones for the environment. Photo by Erik ... more

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: Lotions, and hairspray bottles are also made from this safe... Photo-4393890.59330 - Times Union

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Laundry detergents, and stain removers can even be made with HDPE for its hard plastic container. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Laundry detergents, and stain removers can even be made with HDPE for its hard plastic container. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Laundry detergents, and stain removers can even be made with HDPE... Photo-4393891.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic #3 - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer. Through the use of phthalates, a plasticizer, it can be made softer and more flexible. PVC is not often recycled and it can be very harmful if ingested. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic #3 - Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic polymer. Through the use of phthalates, a plasticizer, it can be made softer and more flexible. PVC is not often recycled and it can be very harmful if ... more

Plastic #4 - Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It can be found translucent or opaque. It is flexible and tough but breakable. No known health effects are associated with this type of plastic either. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic #4 - Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is a thermoplastic made from petroleum. It can be found translucent or opaque. It is flexible and tough but breakable. No known health effects are associated with ... more

Zip lock bags are made of LDPE plastic which is good since that this plastic comes in contact with our food constantly and hasn’t caused any health problems. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Zip lock bags are made of LDPE plastic which is good since that this plastic comes in contact with our food constantly and hasn’t caused any health problems. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Zip lock bags are made of LDPE plastic which is good since that... Photo-4393894.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic wrap is another plastic that is made of low-density polyethylene for its durability when it stretches and is safe to use with food. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Plastic wrap is another plastic that is made of low-density polyethylene for its durability when it stretches and is safe to use with food. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Plastic wrap is another plastic that is made of low-density... Photo-4393895.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic grocery bags are also used with the safe Plastic #4 for their durability when groceries are being put into them at the stores. Although this is a “safe” plastic, it should still be reused and never thrown away because it causes even more pollution. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic grocery bags are also used with the safe Plastic #4 for their durability when groceries are being put into them at the stores. Although this is a “safe” plastic, it should still be reused and never ... more

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Plastic grocery bags are also used with the safe Plastic #4 for... Photo-4393896.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic grocery bags are also used with the safe Plastic #4 for their durability when groceries are being put into them at the stores. Although this is a “safe” plastic, it should still be reused and never thrown away because it causes even more pollution. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic grocery bags are also used with the safe Plastic #4 for their durability when groceries are being put into them at the stores. Although this is a “safe” plastic, it should still be reused and never ... more

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Plastic grocery bags are also used with the safe Plastic #4 for... Photo-4393897.59330 - Times Union

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Certain types of paper towel holders and toilet paper holders are also made with this safe LDPE plastic. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Certain types of paper towel holders and toilet paper holders are also made with this safe LDPE plastic. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Plastic #5 - Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer. It is strong, tough, has a high resistance to heat and acts as a barrier to moisture. This is the last of the safe plastics that have no known health effects. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic #5 - Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer. It is strong, tough, has a high resistance to heat and acts as a barrier to moisture. This is the last of the safe plastics that have no known health ... more

Tupperware containers are made with PP plastic for the toughness so that it can hold foods, liquids and other items you decide to store in it. And health effects aren’t a scare when using these containers. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Tupperware containers are made with PP plastic for the toughness so that it can hold foods, liquids and other items you decide to store in it. And health effects aren’t a scare when using these containers. ... more

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Tupperware containers are made with PP plastic for the toughness so... Photo-4393900.59330 - Times Union

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Nutrition shake, cottage cheese and sour cream containers can be made of polypropylene plastic which makes a good food and drink package. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Nutrition shake, cottage cheese and sour cream containers can be made of polypropylene plastic which makes a good food and drink package. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Even little car air freshener holders are made with Plastic #5 and will never excrete any harmful toxins into your car. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Even little car air freshener holders are made with Plastic #5 and will never excrete any harmful toxins into your car. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Even little car air freshener holders are made with Plastic #5 and... Photo-4393902.59330 - Times Union

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Common house plant pots are made with this thermoplastic polymer to contain the moisture and water within the soil. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Common house plant pots are made with this thermoplastic polymer to contain the moisture and water within the soil. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Common house plant pots are made with this thermoplastic polymer to... Photo-4393903.59330 - Times Union

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Spices are also made with PP because they need thick plastic containers to keep out moisture and keep the spices fresh. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Spices are also made with PP because they need thick plastic containers to keep out moisture and keep the spices fresh. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Spices are also made with PP because they need thick plastic... Photo-4393904.59330 - Times Union

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Small bathroom cups are even made with Plastic #5 for a fresh rinse of the mouth, or quick drink of water. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Small bathroom cups are even made with Plastic #5 for a fresh rinse of the mouth, or quick drink of water. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Small bathroom cups are even made with Plastic #5 for a fresh rinse... Photo-4393905.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic #6 - Polystyrene (PS) is a petroleum-based plastic. It can either be hard or used in the form of Styrofoam. Long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping) effects. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic #6 - Polystyrene (PS) is a petroleum-based plastic. It can either be hard or used in the form of Styrofoam. Long term exposure to small quantities of styrene can cause neurotoxic (fatigue, nervousness, ... more

Plastic cutlery is made of PS which is extremely dangerous and is commonly used at picnics or large family events as a cheap substitute to actual silverware. Not only are the spoons and knives harmful, but so are the cups and plates that are also reusable. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic cutlery is made of PS which is extremely dangerous and is commonly used at picnics or large family events as a cheap substitute to actual silverware. Not only are the spoons and knives harmful, but so ... more

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Plastic cutlery is made of PS which is extremely dangerous and is... Photo-4393907.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic #6b: CD and DVD holders are also made of polystyrene which is extremely bad for you if it is in close contact for you for prolonged periods of times. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Plastic #6b: CD and DVD holders are also made of polystyrene which is extremely bad for you if it is in close contact for you for prolonged periods of times. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Plastic #6b: CD and DVD holders are also made of polystyrene which... Photo-4393908.59330 - Times Union

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Petroleum jelly or Vaseline containers also contain Plastic #6 which is questionable of whether or not toxins seep into the actual jelly which wouldn’t be good for your chapped skin. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Petroleum jelly or Vaseline containers also contain Plastic #6 which is questionable of whether or not toxins seep into the actual jelly which wouldn’t be good for your chapped skin. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Plastic #7 can be tricky because it stands for other which may or may not contain BPA. It is commonly used to label Polycarbonate (PC). The letters PC may be present with the recycling symbol, which would indicate that the product is made with polycarbonate. BPA has been found to be an endocrine disruptor and shouldn’t be around pregnant women or young children. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic #7 can be tricky because it stands for other which may or may not contain BPA. It is commonly used to label Polycarbonate (PC). The letters PC may be present with the recycling symbol, which would ... more

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Plastic #7 can be tricky because it stands for other which may or... Photo-4393910.59330 - Times Union

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Plastic chair and plastic tables are made of PC and long term exposure may cause certain slight health effects. However, some plastics that are made of PC plastic can be BPA free which is a safer plastic. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Plastic chair and plastic tables are made of PC and long term exposure may cause certain slight health effects. However, some plastics that are made of PC plastic can be BPA free which is a safer plastic. Photo ... more

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Plastic chair and plastic tables are made of PC and long term... Photo-4393911.59330 - Times Union

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Electrical wires throughout your home are also made with polycarbonate plastic and are good for the home and not the human. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

Electrical wires throughout your home are also made with polycarbonate plastic and are good for the home and not the human. Photo by Erik DeFruscio.

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Electrical wires throughout your home are also made with... Photo-4393912.59330 - Times Union

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Even my sugar bowl which is just an air tight container to keep moisture out is made of Plastic #7, not the best thing to use, but it’s not quite the worst type of plastic to use either. Photo by Erik DeFruscio. less

Even my sugar bowl which is just an air tight container to keep moisture out is made of Plastic #7, not the best thing to use, but it’s not quite the worst type of plastic to use either. Photo by Erik ... more

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Even my sugar bowl which is just an air tight container to keep... Photo-4393913.59330 - Times Union